Call for papers
MEI 31: ‘Objects and communication’
Edited by Bernard Darras , the MEI review number 31 will be entitled: ‘Objects
and Communication’. This issue intends to be an important step in the study of
material culture and its role in communication.
While research on objects is still rare both in semiotics and information and
communication science, the central question addressed in this issue primarily
concerns the methods of communication of objects and their role in the
relationships with people and machinery. This question assumes that the
products of material culture are not passive devices but mediators of beliefs,
emotions, representations, habits, agencies and obviously commands, actions
and uses.
In this context, design as a process for the conception of the products of
material culture is seen as a powerful set of tools for adapting and transforming
the world of objects, and is therefore a major player in shaping social and
cultural relationships.
Although this issue will emphasize the semiotic approaches, all research papers
aiming at better understanding the function of communication of the resulting
objects and design are welcome.
Organisation of the publication
1- The title and abstract (500 words) of your paper in French or English
must be sent by e-mail to [log in to unmask]
2- The closing date to receive titles and abstracts is 31st September 2009.
3- The results of the reading panel will be published on 15th October.
4- The final papers in French or English must reach the review no later than
15th November in order to be sent to the reading panel.
5- Feedback from the reading panel will be made available before 30th
November.
6- The review will be published in French and English in December 2009.

MEI ‘Mediation and Information’
The MEI ‘Mediation and Information’ review which was established in 1993, is an
international journal of communication with a reading panel which publishes two
editions of about 200 pages annually.
- MEI is a scientific review supported by Centre National du Livre (CNL)
- It is a qualifying review recognized by:
o the Conseil National des Universités (CNU de Sciences de l’Information et
de la Communication) (The National Universities Council, Information science
and Communication)
o the Agence d’Evaluation de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur
AERES. (Evaluation Agency for Research and Higher Education, AERES).